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Ali had never re represented perhaps the h shipboard romances were strictly prohibited, it was a form of emotional protection, too As far as her shipmates knew, she was ive

After spending her shift in the sick bay checking supplies, Ali went to the wardroom, where the officers dined Two other women officers were in the roorossed in conversation Sitting alone at a corner table, she felt self-conscious, although she rather enjoyed watching the men and wo with one of those groups Life aboard a carrier was new to her, but eventually it would become familiar and even co her dinner, the group that included the other wo as he walked past her table He acknowledged her with a stiff nod, which she returned From the reception he received, it was clear that he ell-liked and respected by his fellow officers She had no idea what his duty assign obvious--at least she hoped she wasn’t--she studied Dillon He was tall and lean with dark hair graying at the temples, which led her to believe hefeature was his intense blue eyes To her chagrin, she found herself looking at his ring finger and noticed it was bare Not that it erous aboard ship, although she chose to wear hers More than once Ali had seen fingers severed as a result of a wedding band caught in machinery

As soon as she’d finished her coffee, Ali went back to her work space at the clinic and logged on to the Internet to write Shana and Jazhter would be anxious to hear from her after her first full day at sea

Sent: May 19

From: [email protected] / /

To: [email protected] / /

Subject: Hello!

Dear Shana and Jaz with you two It’s a little crazy around here and I’h

Hey, Jazz, I was thinking you should help your aunt come up with ideas for ice-cream sundaes Ree, raham crackers? You called it the Give Me More Sundae Not bad

Shana, be sure to look over Jazz’s ho Sendwith bated breath to hear how you two are surviving

Love ya

Ali (That’s Moe, but Ali was tired and ready to turn in for the night As she started back to her quarters, she eway She nodded and stepped aside in order to allow hie "Karas?"

"Yes, sir"

"At ease" He glanced down at her left hand "Your husband is Navy?"

"Yes, sir" She looked self-consciously at her wedding ring "He--" She’d begun to explain that she was a , then stopped abruptly Rather than make eye contact, she stared into the bulkhead

"This is your first time aboard the Woodrow Wilson?" The question was casual, conversational in tone

She nodded again "This isto take before I get used to it" She laughed as she said this, because being on an aircraft carrier was soEvery now and then, Ali had to remind herself that she was actually aboard a ship

Cohtly as he smiled "You’ll be fine"

"I knoill Thank you, sir"

That veryfor a fire drill All sailors were to report ined stations A sailor rushed past Ali and jolted her In an effort to get out of his way, she tripped and fell hard against Co theht hirabbed her shoulders, catching her before she lost her balance and toppled sideways Stunned, they irew still

"I’m sorry," she mumbled, shocked at the instant physical reaction she’d experienced at his touch It had been an innocent enough situation and otten She was a woainst her will, was attracted to aunder his breath, but she didn’t hear what he said and frankly she was grateful Without another word, they hurried in opposite directions